Place of Deadliest Storm in U.S. History Has Become Popular Destination for Haunted Travel

Galveston Island’s Ghostly History to Draw Thrill Seekers This October

GALVESTON, Texas (Aug. 1, 2014) – The season for thrills and chills is quickly approaching and Galveston Island’s ghostly history makes it one of the top destinations in the country for “haunted” travel. From a 103-year-old “haunted” hotel to Galveston’s storied harbor, cemeteries and Victorian mansions, this October the island will be bustling with visitors seeking to be spooked by numerous ghost stories that stem from the country’s deadliest natural disaster and other tragedies.

Galveston has many sites that are considered haunted, including an 1867 building that served as a morgue after the 1900 Storm – still the deadliest storm in U.S. history having killed an estimated 8,000 Galveston residents. The building now houses Haunted Mayfield Manor – a year-round haunted house attraction in downtown Galveston. The haunted house embraces the spooky history of the building’s past while providing guests with a psychologically thrilling experience.

Also embracing its reported haunting is the island’s 103-year-old Hotel Galvez, which has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Stories and on the Discovery Channel’s Ghost Lab for its paranormal significance. The hotel, which offers ghost tours during October, is said to be haunted by a “Ghost Bride” who reportedly has been seen in room 501 and in the hotel’s west turret. Legend has it that the bride hung herself in the west turret during the mid-1900s after hearing reports that her fiancé had died at sea. Tragically, her fiancé eventually returned to the hotel looking forward to a marriage that would never be.

The Galveston Historical Foundation, which manages many of the island’s well-preserved historical sites and Victorian mansions, also offers ghost tours throughout October. Many of the island’s historic places have ghost stories attached to them as Galveston has been home to epidemics of disease, war, fires, storms and many merciless pirates, including the famous Jean Laffite whose lavish and lawless den of thieves was the island’s first European settlement.

“Many, many people have lived and died by these waters, and perhaps some of the dead still reside here,” said Dwayne Jones, executive director of the Galveston Historical Foundation. “We invite our guests to listen to the stories and decide for themselves. But you don't have to believe in ghosts to know that the dead are a presence on this island.”

Galveston Historical Foundation offers ghost tours of the island’s harbor, cemeteries, and historic mansions, and this year will offer a new roster of uniquely created events for adults and youth alike. Tickets for all events are available for purchase at www.galvestonhistory.org.

Galveston is also home to the nationally recognized paranormal expert Dash Beardsley, who offers ghost tours in the island’s cemeteries, downtown district and other parts of the island year round. Visit www.ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com for information on Dash Beardsley tours.

“You’re History!” Dinner at the 1859 Ashton Villa (NEW)Date: October 31Time: VariesPrice: $80 per person, Reservations RequiredLocation: 2328 BroadwayInfo: It’s an evening of dinner and deception at the historic home of Miss Bettie Brown, where the award-winning Murder Mystery Texas has created a specially scripted evening for 100 lucky guests. Enjoy a delectable seated dinner where you’ll be engaged and entertained throughout the evening all the while learning more about the historic property. For more information call 409-765-3431 or visit www.galvestonhistory.org.

Ghost Tours at Ashton VillaDate: October 30Time: 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.Price: $30 per person, 20 per tourLocation: 2328 BroadwayInfo: It’s one of Galveston’s most storied homes and this Oct. 30, Galveston Historical Foundation will offer the public a rare set of tours through the 1859 building. Join your guide for an unprecedented tour of the home as you hear about the early days of Galveston’s formation and exceptional life, and possible afterlife, of the home’s Miss Bettie Brown. For more information call 409-765-3431 or visit www.galvestonhistory.org.

“Tales From The Ship” Onboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA (NEW)Date: October 30 Time: 6 - 9 p.m.Price: $18 adult / $13 youthLocation: Pier 22, at 22nd Street and Harborside DriveInfo: Shiver your timbers this season with these specially crafted tours on board the official tall ship of Texas. Featuring nautical superstitions, haunted happenings at sea and tall tales from the ship’s ancient mariners, these self-guided tours will keep you curious at every turn. For more information, call 409-765-3431 or visit www.galvestonhistory.org.

Hotel Galvez Ghost Tour and DinnerDate: Wed/Thurs/Sundays in October with overnight package Time: 6 p.m. Price: $40 per person (includes three-course dinner; reservations required) Location: Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Boulevard Info: This year, the hotel has added a Halloween Night Ghost Package starting at $349 per night, which will include the ghost tour and dinner along with a copy of “How to Hunt Ghosts – A Practical Guide” and a ghost meter commonly used by paranormal investigators. Both items are available only by booking the Halloween night ghost package. For more information call 409-765-7721 or visit www.WyndhamHotelGalvez.com.

About Galveston IslandGalveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is home to popular amusements such as, Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island visit www.galveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.